Health and Safety

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 May 2014

Thursday, 15 May 2014

Ceisteanna (92)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

92. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of defibrillators that are located in Government offices and buildings under the remit of his Department and those under his aegis throughout the country; if these are available in emergency cases outside of office hours in the community in the locations where they are based; the number and cost of same; if he will consider putting some arrangement in place whereby these defibrillators can be located where the public can get access out of office hours in the interest of health and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21883/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In response to the Deputy's question there are eighteen defibrillators located in Government offices and buildings under the remit of my Department and those under my aegis, nine of which are in shared accommodation with the Department of Finance. The average cost is approximately €1,800 each. For health and safety reasons these defibrillators are only available to staff trained in their use. Because of training and security issues defibrillators are not available outside of office hours.

As the material requested was not available from the Office of Public Works at the time of answer the Office of Public Works will supply the required material directly to the Deputy.